Stop Payment Notices in California
We make Stop Payment Notices simple, legal, and stress-free across California.
Request a Stop Payment Notice
What Is a Stop Payment Notice?
A Stop Payment Notice is a legal document that notifies a project owner, lender, or public agency to withhold funds that may be due to a general contractor. It effectively places a temporary “freeze” on unpaid construction funds, ensuring that the money doesn’t get disbursed to parties higher up the chain until you, the claimant, are paid.
Unlike a mechanics lien, which attaches to the property itself, a Stop Payment Notice targets the undisbursed construction funds. This makes it a powerful tool for both private and public works projects in California.
Who Can File a Stop Payment Notice in California?
You may be eligible to file a Stop Payment Notice if you are:
The key is that you must have provided labor, materials, or services to a construction project in California. However, eligibility may vary depending on your contract tier and whether you sent a valid Preliminary Notice (20-Day Notice).
When and Why to File
If payment isn’t received on time or if there’s any concern about getting paid, a Stop Payment Notice allows you to intervene before the money is gone. For public works projects, this notice is typically served on the public entity or disbursing officer. On private projects, it’s served to the property owner and lender.
For private projects in California, a bonded Stop Payment Notice is required to compel a construction lender to withhold funds. This bond acts as a guarantee in case the notice was improperly filed.
Deadlines matter. A Stop Payment Notice generally must be served within 90 days of your last day on the job unless a Notice of Completion or Cessation is filed, in which case the deadline may shorten to 30 days.
Our team ensures your notice is prepared, bonded (if necessary), and served well within legal timeframes so you don’t lose your right to payment.
How We Help You File a Stop Payment Notice
At Easy Law Inc., we do more than just handle paperwork; we make the whole stop payment notice process simple. Our goal is to help you get paid without the stress of dealing with legal terms or confusing rules.
Here’s what we offer:
Document Preparation
We accurately prepare your Stop Payment Notice based on the project type, your role, and the legal deadlines.
Service of Notice
We ensure your notice is properly delivered to all required parties, whether by certified mail, registered mail, or hand delivery, as required by California law.
Bond Assistance
On private projects, we provide the required Stop Notice Bond for lender notices so your filing holds legal weight.
Friendly Support
Not sure if a Stop Payment Notice is right for your situation? Call us — we’ll guide you, no pressure.
Why Choose Easy Law?
With nearly four decades of experience, we’ve worked with thousands of contractors and suppliers across California to protect their payment rights. We’re not a law firm, and we don’t offer legal advice, but we are registered and bonded as a Legal Document Assistant in Ventura County. Our mission is to make legal construction documents simple, compliant, and stress-free.
We know how complex California’s construction laws can get. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your work, not chasing down payments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stop Payment Notice
Who can file a Stop Payment Notice in California?
Subcontractors, material suppliers, equipment renters, laborers, and design professionals who haven’t been paid for their work or materials.
What’s the deadline to file a Stop Payment Notice?
Usually within 90 days of your last work or delivery, but it may be shorter if a Notice of Completion or Cessation is recorded.
Is a bond required to file a Stop Payment Notice?
Only for private projects when you want the lender to withhold funds. A Stop Notice Bond is not needed for public works.
Do I need a lawyer to file a Stop Payment Notice?
No. Easy Law Inc. helps you prepare and serve the notice properly without needing legal representation.
Don’t Wait Until it’s Too Late to Protect Your Right to be Paid